Donahue and Hayes Earn Academic Innovation Awards

Elizabeth Naranjo Hayes, assistant professor of Spanish and French linguistics, and Roberta Donahue, professor of health science, were the fall 2023 winners of the Truman Academic Innovation Award.

Hayes was recognized for service-learning with SPAN 455 interpretation and translation at Milan C-2 School District. Students applied translation and interpretation skills by adding Spanish captions to a Truman promotional video, translating important documents for Milan C-2 and interpreting for Spanish-speaking parents. They realized Spanish is not just a course but rather a skill that can be used to actively impact others in a positive way and make a real difference.

Donahue received recognition for her World Polio Day initiative. Students in HLTH 405, Global Public Health, plan, implement and assess campus participation for World Polio Day, Oct. 24, in order to build a sense of connectedness with others fighting for health equity around the world. In 2023, students provided an educational presentation about polio eradication efforts in HLTH 270 Health Systems and Consumers, developed health communication materials and messages about polio, and raised money for polio vaccines.